(74) Comments

Hi Travis, I came across your manual on another site and the barrelponics looks great. I especially like that you are selling these as I have no interest in making one. So, my questions are as follow: there are no specs that I can find: what are the power requirements? Water reqirements? I see fish are sold separately; is gravel included? What else would I need that is not included? If I wanted to install on a roof deck, any idea what total weight would be with water, gravel and equipment?
Thanks in advance!

Hello Kevin,
Thank you for your questions. The power requirement is 25 watts. The water tank of the system is 168 gallons. No media is included as many have different choices as to what kind of media they want and besides shipping 1500 lbs. of gravel would get very expensive. Better to source it locally if using gravel. Others have used expanded shale and hydroton in their systems. Weight of the system as it’s shipped is 235lbs. The type of media used will determine the total weight. It takes about 15 cu. ft. of media to fill the growbed. Any aquaponics system can get heavy very quickly. Be very cautious about placing them on anything other than good solid soil or concrete. As far as rooftops, you would have to consult an engineer to verify. I personally would find a safer location. Hope this helps.

Saw your video on off the grid video
I have 20 years fish farming and have been semi retired or 5 years.
I’m thinking of aquaponics with tilapia in Arkansas and consulting.
This system seems to be well built and tested through blood and sweat.would like to look at this further.thanks for your work and ministries. Brad

I love what you’ve created and offered to the world! The Lord has truly blessed you. I’m curious if you offer a manual on how to make a 10 half-barrel garden (similar to the one you did with Zachary Bauer). I’m working on a plan for an outreach program through our church via a “Giving Greenhouse”.

Travis, I would love to talk to you about your systems. Especially using your products on my website. I just started the http://www.facebook.com/FishTankTexas. The world have become really complicated, and I got burned venturing out into the business word. I want peace and safety for my family and friends, I think aquaponics will help with that. Email me back or shoot me a message through my website. You can always reach me at 214 971 2162

I can work with you on that as long as you’re located in the lower 48 states and can, in fact, have it paid in full before the price change. Email me at travis@myaquafarm.com and I can communicate with you privately.
Old fashioned layaway. Love it!!

Hello,
At this time I’m not really sure. I’ll have to look into that. It could get expensive though. The shipping weight is 235 lbs. I’ll have to get back to you. As far as adding growbeds, the fish tank is sized for the bed with the unit. I do not advise adding growbeds for the overall health of the system.

I’m so impressed with your pre-fab aquaponics setup. It is obviously well-thought-out and made with the highest quality. Congratulations and thanks on such a wonderful product.

I have some questions:
1) Have you shipped one to Santa Barbara, CA — where the owner might show it to me? If so, would you please connect me with them.
2) what is the necessary footprint? I see else where that it is 72″ x 50″, presumably for the whole “L” shape. How wide is the grow bed? The fishtank?
3) It looks to me that I could reverse the “L” (to have a right-facing setup and a left-facing setup) with only a couple of changes: a) add a plate/hole on the other side of the growbed bottom, b) drill 4 holes in the top of the growbed frame on the other side and c) turn the growbed liner inside out. Do you think this can be done?
4) What is your experience about leaving it outside? (Most sites seem to be in a greenhouse.)
5) Could I use it as a floating-raft setup instead of the pebbels/gravel grow beds?
6) Is the fishtank large enough so that I could add auxiliary grow beds ?

I’ll appreciate your quick response as I am trying to decide ahead of the deadline. I really cant afford it right now AND I’m LONGING for one (or two). The feeling is so very strong that I’m thinking it’s something I am being guided to do.
Thank you so much.
sar

#1 – I have not sent on to Santa Barbara.
#2 – 32″ wide growbed and fish tank.
#3 – I wouldn’t advise as the unit is powder coated. The areas you weld in plates and such will rust. Also, the liner is pre-drilled for this configuration
#4 – I leave all my systems outside at this time. Better pest control is only one benefit.
#5 – The My AquaFarm is not designed to be used as a DWC (Deep Water Culture) system. A flood and drain media bed is MUCH more versatile than DWC.
#6 – No, it’s not. The system is designed with a sightly larger fish tank than necessary to make it more forgiving for the consumer but not large enough to add a growbed, nor are they available at this time.

Hi Travis,
I am very interested in this set up. I would like to put it into a grow tent. Would a tent that is 96 x 96 be large enough to hold it? Living in Michigan I don’t have the luxury of leaving this outside. Thank-you for taking time to answer my question.
Cindy

Travis, I think I only have one question regarding water temp. I’m in Southern California and I would like to know if I need a heater in the winter and in the summer it gets pretty warm here with many days of 110 plus so I was wondering if the water would become too warm? The unit would be placed outside.

There are a few things one can do in extreme climates. We, here in South Carolina get into the same high heat issues as you but with high humidity as well. I like to grow vine type plants (pole beans, sweet potato’s (they won’t produce tubers in and AP system but lots of edible vines), etc..) as a natural shade for parts of the system requiring it. They not only shade the sun directly but the transpiration aids cooling as well. Plant the right thing and you get to eat it when the season is over. Also, when things are very warm, keep a close eye on the feeding. Left over feed quickly begins to decompose in those conditions producing a potential ammonia spike. Most fish slow down on the feed at extreme high temps due to stress. AS far as winter, it all depends on the species used in the system. I’m thinking in Southern Cal. though, you should be fine.

Hi Travis,
Great product, and thank you for begin a source of innovation in the food industry.
I have a few simple questions regarding the unit, What is the expected total yield of edible greens, and fish protein.

In one of your earlier post you mentioned you developed units in the Philippines, how did the project go? Where did you work? I ask because I worked on several development project in the Philippines address in global food security issues. Always looking to get involved with like minded innovators.

Hello Jun,
Thanks for the kind comments. The project was for a private individual in Quezon City. It went well and as far as I know is still in operation.
Concerning yields for the My aqua Farm, that varies from location to location, species of both fish and vegetables and management capability of the operator. To many variables to make any solid claims and stay truthful. The general rule of thumb, though, on aquaponics is roughly twice the yield and only use 10% – 20% of the water compared to soil based production. Fish production will be somewhere in the neighborhood of 1lb./5 gallons of water.
Hope this helps,
Travis

The operating cost is very small. Only 20 watts to operate. As far as actual production levels, that all depend on the species of fish used, plants grown, quality of water and feed and climate. Far too many variables to give a cut and dry answer on that one. You will not be able to produce the total calories needed for a human adult to live in a year in any system of this size, no matter what a sales ad might tell you. I won’t lie to you on that.
Hope this helps,
Travis

Travis, as you know I just received my system and we are in the process of putting it together. I have a couple of questions. Would it be alright to use small river rock, 3/8 to 1 inch and do you use red worms in your systems?
Thanks so much,

I would use 1/4 to 3/8″ river rock to keep a larger amoount of surface area for nitrifying bacteria to colonize on. The larger rock will also require more water to flood the growbed. Worms are always a great idea in an aquaponics system!! We put the local night crawler in our systems because I can get them from the woods near my house. Red worms should do fine.

I really impressed with your product. I want it to try with my farm project in the Philippines. I want to try in with one unit first in my little farm in the Philippines. It is possible to send it to the Philippines? Hoping for your response as soon as possible. Thank you!

I used river pea gravel. I used clear vinyl tubing to support the papaya trees. String would cut into the trunk, I’d think. As long as you have them tied off to good support you should be fine. I’d also prune the terminal leader at about 6ft. to stimulate side branch growth for easier harvesting.

Hello Sir, Greetings from Greenville SC. I have a question about a build using your plans. I’m having trouble controlling the flush valve. No matter how much or how little counter weight I put on it, it gets stuck and doesn’t fully pull the flush valve open. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

It sounds to me like you’re bottle is the problem (not enough differential in empty and full weight). Are you using the one specified in the manual? Also, make sure there’s no binding in the mechanism. Photo’s would help.

i am in Lebanon, a country named Lebanon in the middle east. i have come across your video on YouTube and i liked it. If I want a similar aquaponic system, do you know if it’s possible to purchase it from here, Lebanon ?

I recently purchased your system and, like you, I unabashedly believe in the crucifixion, the resurrection, and that the only way to have salvation is to accept the perfect sacrifice of the Heavenly Father’s son – there is tremendous power in the cleansing blood of Jesus and the amount of physical and spiritual healing and blessings in my life that have come from accepting His Salvation have been tremendous. Now to the question: I believe, in the near future, our country and the world will enter into a tremendous depression. What is the feasibility of your system providing for a family of three in a Great Depression scenario? Thank you for your time and I pray that the Heavenly Father blesses you.

The 16 sq. ft. model My Aqua Farm is not large enough to meet the total caloric needs of a family of three. You will need a much larger operation for that. It can, most certainly, augment the diet but I personally feel aquaponics gains its greatest advantage as a component of an overall food production system and not a stand alone technology in itself. Working with the system you purchased in your location will determine it’s production capacity. This information can then be entered into your food production plan and changes for your specific needs be made accordingly. There’s no doubt changes and challenges are on the horizon. It seems every generation has it’s challenges. Our time is no exception. Seems this is one of the characteristics of what it means to live on this planet. I believe Solomon said it like this:

Ecc 1:9 That which has been, it is that which shall be. And that which has been done, it is that which will be done. And there is no new thing under the sun.
Ecc 1:10 Is there a thing of which one might say, See this, it is new? It has already been for the ages which were before us.
Ecc 1:11 There is no memory of former things; yea, nor is there any memory for them of things which will be afterward, with those who will be at the last.

So what’s the answer?
Solomon closed out this very book with some very good advice:

Ecc 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear The Elohim, and keep His commandments; for this applies to every man.
Ecc 12:14 For The Elohim shall bring every work into judgment, with all that is hidden, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.

So what does this mean? AS Yeshua taught and lived an example, live according to the commandments Yehovah gave us on how to love Him and our neighbor. This pleases Him and He ultimately is our provider.
Blessings to you and your family!!

Travis, much appreciation for your labor or love. I am brand new to the aquaponics. Have had vision to raise trout for some years, but knew nothing about combining raising crops and fish simultaneously. I intend to get started on a very small scale and might just purchase the the kit in the near future. It looks great. Thanks you again.

Have you ever experienced any negative side affects by not having a sump? I’m assuming that the water level in the FISH area would be reduced by up to 30% before the flush valve is triggered… Thanks for any information on this as I’m new to aquaponics. New = still researching and haven’t actually set up a system yet 🙂

Greetings Dominick,
Thank you for your question.
I’ve been doing aquaponics and designing systems since 2003, long before any of the so called “experts” out there even heard of the subject. I’ve not had any issues with water level fluctuation’s being a problem (even in systems with 50% water level fluctuations) the proponents of sump tanks would have you believe. They cite stress as a factor yet in the wild, fish experience dramatic water level changes often. This water level change often triggers breeding and feeding, both a good thing. As far as the assumed 30% water level change in the My aqua Farm system, let’s take a look at the math.
The growbed of the current model My Aqua Farm is approximately 15 cu. ft. Since there are 7.48 gallons per cubic foot this would mean 15 x 7.48 = 112.2 gallons. With 1/4″-3/8″ pea gravel, we recommend, it takes approximately 35% of water volume to flood the growbed. .35 x 112.2 = 39.27 gallons required to flood the growbed. The fish tank on the current model My Aqua Farm is approximately 168 gallons. To get the percentage we divide the volume of water to flood the growbed by the volume of water of the fish tank. 39.27/168 = .23375 or 23%. The depth of the fish tank of the My Aqua Farm is approximately 24″ To determine how much the water level will fluctuate in inches we simply multiply the percentage times the water depth. .23375 x 24 = 5.61″. The water level in the fish tank only fluctuates about 5-1/2″. Nothing to stress about. I hope this helps.

First of all PTL! I just want to thank you for what you have been doing and continue to do.
FYI, I just read an article written by Michael Tortorello back on Feb 17, 2010 The Spotless Garden and your Faith & Sustainable Tech fastonline.org caught my attention. I’m a retired Veteran of over 21 years of honorable active duty service in the U.S. Coast Guard, I’m employee of a corporation and I’m also a “Pastor” to a small congregation of Hispanic-Americans in Goose Creek, SC. For almost 20 years I have had a dream of having a fish farm but in the past 7 years or so I have been thinking about aquaponics to grow veggies and fish as a non-for-profit ministry. Again, congratulations you have had done well, PTL! I have seen many systems throughout the years, and I have seen your “My Aqua Farm” kit and there is no doubt in my mind you have not only a great price for a full size kit but also a great system. I’m currently home based with a “mother-mission” church, so I cannot install anything unless it’s approved by the church, Harbour Lake Baptist Church, however I have not given up on this “dream” or “vision” of having a non-for-profit ministry aquaponics farm in our local area. Please keep me in your prayers as I seek to approach the church leadership for approval of this ministry, etc. My spouse is originally from Marion, so I do drive through Andrews all the time on my way to visit my in-laws, maybe one day I can stop by and see the farm, if you don’t mind. Keep up the good work. Blessings!

On your U-Tube video you mentioned you also sell a lighter weight rock/soil media that can be used instead of rocks in the aquafarm. Could you provide the details and cost of this media? Perhaps you could show/add this on your website.

I dont find any specs on the size of your shipped product? I thinking of putting this in a greenhouse that is on a pad 10’X10′. Will it fit? Also is there any reason why I would not put it in a greenhouse? We are in SoCal but I thought it would help control the environment? Thanks for all you do!

The My Aqua Farm will fit nicely into a greenhouse that size. The area needed is 50.5″ x 72″. A greenhouse is not necessary but, as you stated, very nice for environmental control.
Let us know when you’re ready to put a My Aqua Farm on your “Aquastead”!

My apologies for not getting back to you sooner. For some reason I missed your inquiry. I do not have a dealer in Montreal. To run any aquaponics system in cold weather will require the ability to control the environment such as a temperature and lighting controlled greenhouse.

Hey Travis. I’ve been following u a long time. 2005 love your new system. I ave a 2000 gallon system. I run with one pump. 4 barrels flood and drain. And 4 growbeds raft system .
I want to downsize too a 400 gal fish tank. (which is an existing pond) Needing help with changing grow-beds to flood and drain. They are 3.5 x 8. And 16” high made of plywood and12x2x8
I have them raised. Do-to back issues. Not sure it it’s strong enough to hold weight of gravel. Love to have your new medium. Can u help with design
Blessing. Love what you do your awesome !

I don’t currently sell the growbed separate. I’m working on developing something for the future though. That being said, if you built the system without the fish tank, modified a couple parts and supported that end of the growbed over the fish tank you’d be good to go. You just need to make sure the base is very stable as the growbed is very heavy.